Fatal Workplace Accident at APS Power Plant Near Buckeye Claims Life of Contractor

A tragic industrial accident at an Arizona Public Service (APS) power plant west of Buckeye claimed the life of Mike Olver, a 50-year-old senior valve mechanic, on November 7th, 2023. Olver, an experienced contractor from California, was just three days into a 10-day assignment at the facility when the incident occurred. According to the Maricopa County Medical Examiner, Olver's death was ruled accidental and resulted from blunt force trauma. The circumstances leading to the fatal incident remain under investigation by the Arizona Division of Occupational Safety and Health (ADOSH). Earlier that morning, Olver had spoken with his wife Jenny in good spirits and exchanged text messages about upcoming Thanksgiving plans. The incident was reported by his supervisor, who contacted Mrs. Olver that afternoon to inform her of the accident.

Location and Infrastructure

The APS power plant facility is situated in a remote area west of Buckeye, Arizona, in Maricopa County. The plant is one of several critical power generation facilities operated by Arizona Public Service in the region, providing essential electricity to the greater Phoenix metropolitan area. Industrial facilities like this typically feature complex mechanical systems, including high-pressure valve systems that require specialized maintenance and repair work. The location's isolation means emergency response times can be longer than in urban areas, though the facility maintains its own initial response protocols for workplace accidents.

Legal Rights and Considerations

Under Arizona workers' compensation law (A.R.S. § 23-901 et seq.), families of workers killed in workplace accidents may be entitled to death benefits, even if the deceased was a contractor. The statute of limitations for filing a workers' compensation claim in Arizona is one year from the date of injury. Additionally, in cases involving third-party negligence, families may have grounds for a wrongful death claim, which must be filed within two years under A.R.S. § 12-542. Potential compensation could include medical expenses, funeral costs, lost future earnings, and loss of consortium. Given the complexity of industrial accident cases involving multiple parties (facility owner, contracting company, equipment manufacturers), families are typically advised to seek legal counsel to protect their rights. An experienced Buckeye workplace injury attorney will handle all aspects of the legal claim.

Related Resources

Emergency Services:

• Buckeye Fire Department: (623) 349-6700
• Maricopa County Sheriff's Office: (602) 876-1011

Workplace Safety Resources:

• Arizona Division of Occupational Safety and Health (ADOSH): (602) 542-5795
• OSHA Phoenix Area Office: (602) 542-1769

Support Services:

• Industrial Fatality Support Network: (800) 221-7437
• Arizona Workers' Compensation Information: (602) 542-4661
• Maricopa County Victim Services: (602) 506-8522

The investigation into this incident remains active, with ADOSH expected to complete their review within six months. The Olver family continues to seek information about the circumstances surrounding Mike's death.